Simeone's Atletico charges fall half-a-point short

Simeone's Atletico charges fall half-a-point short

Disappointed Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said his players had fallen half-a-point short in a successful season after they lost the Champions League final 4-1 to city rivals Real on Saturday.

Asked how he would rate the season out of 10, the colourful manager said: "Nine-and-a-half out of 10 -- we were missing that extra half point."

Simeone, 44, Argentina's most capped player, said he was disappointed but not sad.

"It's a bitter feeling not to reach your target. I'm disappointed but I'm calm. Once you have given your all you cannot do more."

Image: Diego Simeone, Coach of Club Atletico de Madrid is restrained as he clashes with Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League Final at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon on SaturdayPhotographs: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

'You win, you lose, you have to keep going'

Atletico, accustomed to living in Real's shadow, have yet to win Europe's most prestigious trophy but their first domestic league triumph after 18 years and a Champions League final have added a new dimension to Spanish and European competition.

"It's a life lesson. You win, you lose, you have to keep going," he said, adding that the supporters should be proud.

"They shouldn't waste any time crying over the season. Yes, they will be disappointed but later they should be concentrating on next season."

Simeone added that he took full responsibility for playing striker Diego Costa, who had pulled a hamstring during Atletico's title-winning game against Barcelona last week.

The Brazil-born Spaniard had to come off after nine minutes.

"I obviously made a mistake," he said.

"He wasn't as well as the day before."

Image: UEFA President Michel Platini presents Diego Simeone, coach of Club Atletico de Madrid with his runners up medal after the UEFA Champions League final on SaturdayPhotographs: Lars Baron/Getty Images